Winnipeg, MB– Yesterday the Government of Manitoba announced that it will be applying a 6% tax on cannabis retailers in the province. The 6% tax will apply to gross revenue, and is stated to generate funds to cover the costs of public education, health, and addiction.

David Clement, Toronto-based North American Affairs Manager of the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), said: "While wanting to recover costs seems like an appropriate policy, its problematic to implement this tax without any forecast of what those costs will be. At the end of the day this tax is just added to the already burdensome list of taxes that cannabis consumers have to pay."

"Canadian cannabis consumers are already overtaxed and this just makes the situation worse. The Federal Government has announced over half a billion dollars in additional taxes and fees, all of which will be paid for by consumers. When buying cannabis in Manitoba consumers will be paying the 10% excise tax on cannabis, the 8% provincial sales tax, the 5% federal sales tax, and now this additional 6% social responsibility fee," said Clement.

"Overtaxing cannabis is counterproductive to the goals of public safety and public health. As taxation increases, naturally prices are going to increase. As prices increase, consumers will be less likely to purchase cannabis legally, and more likely to purchase cannabis illegally. We know that 35% of cannabis consumers still purchase cannabis illegally, and this additional fee will just make that figure worse." said Clement.

Food Service Solutions is pleased to announce that it has been appointed the Scotsman Ice Systems wholesale distributor for Western Canada November 1st, 2018 and Canada-wide effective January 1, 2019. As a member of The Ali Group, Scotsman Ice is recognized around the world as a global leader in ice machine technology.

Food Service Solutions will stock and fully support the Scotsman line in Canada including responsibility for warranty, service and parts. “We’re thrilled to represent Scotsman in Canada,” commented Chris Koehler, President of Food Service Solutions, “It’s been our intention to add a quality line of ice machines to our portfolio for some time and we couldn’t be more proud to represent Scotsman in the Canadian market.”

New York, NY (November 16, 2018) The Last Drop Distillers, the world renowned team of rare spirit hunters, is releasing a 1982 Bourbon from the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery —the company’s 13th release and its very first American Whiskey. With only 44 bottles in existence, 25 of which will make it to the US market, this exceptional Bourbon is an exquisite representation of the Last Drop Distillers’ passion for discovering the rare, exceptional and delicious. The 1982 Bourbon is an opportunity for those to acquire not only an outstanding and unparalleled aged Bourbon, but also to discover the reasons why The Last Drop Distillers travels around the world searching for once-in-a-lifetime spirits and only offers the best of the best.

“We are tremendously excited to present the 1982 Bourbon, our second smallest release to date,” says Rebecca Jago, Joint Managing Director of The Last Drop. “With only 44 bottles worldwide, this is sure to become a collector’s item. The Bourbon is a wonderful spirit: deep and rounded, with delicious notes of dried fruit and honey. We only wish there was more to go around.”

Distilled four decades ago, this unique whiskey is the very last drop of this particular Bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. At its peak, it was removed from its American oak barrels to avoid over-ageing and to preserve its beautiful composition that gracefully defies its years. On the nose, a hint of marmalade married with coffee is accentuated by the palate of tropical richness and a finish of vanilla notes and oak.

Partnering with the Buffalo Trace Distillery to release this rare Bourbon was a seamless decision. Acquired by Sazerac in 2016, The Last Drop Distillers knew they had a partner on many levels, and this collaboration is one of many to come between the two parties. This is The Last Drop’s first release of an American Whiskey but certainly not the last. The fact that it hails from the world-famous Buffalo Trace Distillery is a point of pride for The Last Drop team. The distillery’s reputation for distilling world-class spirits was paramount to The Last Drop putting their seal of approval on this outstanding liquid.

“We have always admired The Last Drop’s dedication to sourcing the world’s rarest spirits and this launch comes as no exception,” says Mark Brown, President and CEO of Sazerac. “This Bourbon, distilled, aged and bottled at our very own Buffalo Trace Distillery, echoes the great relationship between Sazerac and The Last Drop and it is one we are looking forward to growing for many years to come.”

Beyond this 1982 Bourbon release, The Last Drop Distillers and Sazerac are working together to change the future of aged American-crafted whiskies. The Last Drop is bringing controlled, low temperature long-term aging techniques to Kentucky with its just opened, experimental refrigerated Warehouse P at the Buffalo Trace distillery. By keeping their new Warehouse P at a consistent 45 °F year-round to slow the aging process, the Last Drop hopes to create delicious American Bourbons and Ryes older than any on the market, including their 1982 Bourbon, as the perfect addition to their luxury portfolio of aged international spirits.

The founding principle of The Last Drop Distillers is to bring exceptional and unique aged spirits and wines to aficionados and collectors from around the world with an affinity and respect for the finest drinks. A one-of-a-kind spirit, the 1982 Bourbon is a glimpse into the past, a reminder of the outstanding skill and artform of distillers and blenders from those years, and a tribute to what a magical time the 1980s were. In the same year the Bourbon was distilled, Michael Jackson’s Thriller was the biggest selling album, E.T hit the box office, Sony launched the world’s first CD player and the Computer was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. In the years that followed, music tastes changed and so did technology, but The Last Drop’s 1982 Bourbon has remained untouched. It is an exquisite reminder of why some things should stay the same, from an era 40 years ago.

Founded by industry geniuses Tom Jago and James Espey in 2008, and now led by their talented daughters, Rebecca Jago and Beanie Geraedts-Espey, the Last Drop Distillers continues its quest to uncover, and bottle the world’s finest and rarest of spirits. As with all of The Last Drop releases, the 1982 Bourbon comes together with its signature 50ml miniature replica and pocket-sized tasting book with additional pages for personal tasting notes. Retailing for an MSRP of $4,000, The 1982 Bourbon will be available upon request at select Fine Spirits and Wine Merchants nationwide.